Patrons mourn closing of Higgins Armory

News of the impending closure of the 82-year-old Higgins Armory Museum on Barber Avenue did not sit well today with patrons.

Museum officials announced Friday that the local institution and Greendale landmark would close its ornate glass and steel doors Dec. 31 because of an inadequate endowment and that its renowned collection of arms and armor — the second largest in the country -- would be relocated to the Worcester Art Museum.

While consoled by the fact that the museum's collection would continue to be housed locally, several visitors to Higgins' five-story, castle-like, art-deco building at 100 Barber Ave. this morning said they were deeply saddened that the move had become necessary.

“We're very sad because it's such a beautiful place,” said Paula Bruhn of West Boylston, who was accompanied by her 8-year-old niece, Alanna Phillipo, and 6-year-old nephew, Anthony Phillipo, both of Dudley. The siblings wielded newly-purchased plastic swords and cardboard shields as they waited impatiently for their aunt to lead the way through the massive structure.

“It's sad to let go of the whole castle theme to it. It will be greatly missed,” said Ms. Bruhn, a frequent visitor to Higgins who bought a museum membership this year and vowed that she and her family would “come back as much as we can,” before the closure.

Ms. Bruhn said she is also a big fan of the Worcester Art Museum at 55 Salisbury St. and found it somewhat comforting that the art museum planned to take in the Higgins collection.

First-time visitor Garry White of Northbridge said he read of Higgins' impending closure in the newspaper and decided to bring his 7-year-old son and namesake, Garry White Jr., to the museum today “so we both could see it.” Like other patrons interviewed, Mr. White said he was sorry to see the majestic Higgins building closing, but happy that its impressive collection would stay in the city.

“They got some really cool stuff. Me and my dad love to collect old stuff,” Garry Jr. said as he marveled at a German halberd, a combination spear and battle ax, from the 16th century.

Suzanne M. Maas, Higgins' interim director, said earlier that the museum was continually drawing down on its $2.9 million endowment and that a big part of its six-figure annual operating deficit was attributable to the high cost of maintaining its distinctive steel and glass home.

“It's such a beautiful building. It's sad to see it close. They really did a good job of making it feel like a castle,” said 16-year-old Sam Kendall of Southboro, another first-time visitor. Aware of the teen's interest in anything related to the Vikings, his uncle, Michael Graves of Shrewsbury, bought tickets to the museum for both of them.

“I mean, it's a fixture, and I'm very surprised something like this would happen,” Mr. Graves said of the planned closure. “But we're loving it,” he was quick to add.

“I'm excited to be here. It's so great,” said his nephew after viewing several items encased in glass, including a Turkish sword with scabbard from the late 1700s and a silver spoon from the Roman Empire.

“They're closing this place?” asked Garry O'Goley of Belchertown, when told the news. Mr. O'Goley was at the museum with his wife, Kathleen O'Goley, who grew up in Grafton and, unlike her husband, had been to Higgins many times before.

“I even love the building. You can see the building from I-190. I have fond memories of bringing my son and nephew here when they were little,” she said.

When informed that the Higgins collection would end up at the Worcester Art Museum, Ms. O'Goley said she and her husband were pleased and had planned a trip there later in the day.

“It's sad news. That's for sure,” Charlie Davidson of Oxford said as he and his 12-year-old daughter, Nicole, took in the exhibits. Mr. Davidson's 16-year-old son, Evan, is part of the Sword Guild that meets at the museum every Saturday morning to learn the art of sword fighting.

When asked if he took any solace in the fact that the museum's collection would remain local, Mr. Davidson responded, “Yeah, but to tell you the truth, I'm going to miss this building most of all. It's so iconic.”

Jen Kohl, a first-time patron, said she, her husband, Ed Gardner, and their two children, Tommy and Gus Kohl, traveled to Worcester from Boston after learning of the museum's impending closure.

“We've never been here before, but the building is really interesting, and we thought we'd come and see it while it's still here. We're really excited to find out what's here,” Ms. Kohl said as she and her family embarked on their first Higgins Armory Museum experience.

A committee of museum officials is considering the future of the Higgins building, which has an assessed value of $3,088,600 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ms. Maas said the committee was “looking at multiple partners for reuse or sale.”